ne of the most essential passages of the play in producing the feeling of pity and fear.The passage has more significant impact on the production of pity and fear when it is evaluated in the larger structure of the whole play. In the larger context, this passage serves two important purposes; it confirms and clarifies the descriptions about Hamlets character and thoughts made in prior passages, and answers the question Why does Hamlet delay? Hamlets honesty is already revealed in his speech I know not seems.. (I, ii, 76) and even his enemy Claudius admits this; He, [Hamlet] being remiss, most generous, and free from all contriving, will not peruse the fills. His hatred against the evil and pursuit of perfect morality have also been introduced several times before; against drunkenness Ay, marry, ist, but to my mindthe pith and marrow of our attribute. (I, iv, 14) and against the wicked Rosencrantz and Guildensten Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me!.you cannot play upon me, (III, ii, 349) These tedious old fools!, (II, ii, 217) and several others. This passage makes the final assertion that convinces the audience of Hamlets honesty and morality, concreting the notion that Hamlet is indeed a tragic hero.Yet the greater significance of this passage is that marks the beginning of his regrettable downfall, answering the question that has been raised by the audience throughout the entire play; Why does Hamlet delay his revenge? In fact, the answer has been foreshadowed several times before this passage, but those passages were preludes for this one. In the play-within-the-play, In second husband let me be accurst! None wed the second but who killed the first (III, ii, 171) and A second time I kill my husband dead when second husband kisses me in bed (III, ii, 176-177) suggested the Hamlets play-within-the-play is aimed more to Gertrude than to Claudius. Hamlets saying [Tis brief, my lord.] As Womans love, (III, ii, 1...
